Graduation Requirements

To graduate from Whitney High School, students must earn at least 250 credits and complete the following subject requirements:

• Language Arts: 4 years (40 units)
• Social Studies: 3.5 years (35 units)
• Math: 3 years (30 units, must complete Integrated II)
• Science: 3 years (30 units)
• P.E.: 3 years (30 units)
• Applied Science/Tech: 1 year (10 units)
• Visual/Performing Arts: 1 year (10 units)
• World Languages: 1 year (10 units)
• Health: 0.5 years (5 units)
• Electives: 5 courses (50 units)

Community Service: Students must complete 25 hours with a non-profit organization. Please log these hours in the "Service Learning" tab of the Aeries student portal.

Grading Policy

We report student progress throughout the year to keep you informed.

• Updates: Progress reports and grade updates are posted to Aeries roughly every 5 weeks.
• Real-Time Grades: Teachers maintain an online gradebook via Schoology.
• Transcripts: While quarterly grades are reported, only semester grades appear on official transcripts.

Grading Scale

• A: Distinguished Mastery
• B: Commendable Mastery
• C: Proficient (Minimum Mastery)
• NC: No Credit (F)
• P: Passing (Progress Reports only)
• NM: No Mark (In danger of failing; Progress Reports only)

Participation in school-sponsored sports is a privilege governed by CIF standards.

Getting Started

• Registration: All athletes must register online at www.whitneyathletics.com.
• Clearance: Students must be officially cleared by the athletic office before participating in any team activity.

Eligibility Requirements

• Academic: Athletes must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and have no more than 2 "No Marks" (NM/NC) on their most recent quarter or semester report card.
• Attendance: Athletes must attend school for the full day to participate in a game or contest. If the event is on a weekend or holiday, they must attend the full school day prior.
• Discipline: Students under disciplinary action (suspension) are ineligible to participate on those days.

Code of Conduct & Awards

• Infractions: Athletes are subject to discipline for academic, behavioral, or substance abuse infractions. Please consult the full Athletic Handbook for specific details.
• Awards: Lettering awards are based on seasonal completion and require the student to be in good standing and eligible.

Sportsmanship Policy

We expect exemplary behavior from all players and spectators. Consequences for poor conduct include:

• Fighting: Fan or player interference in a fight will result in immediate ejection and further disciplinary action.
• Ejections: Any ejected player is subject to penalties by the school, league, or CIF (e.g., suspension from future games or removal from the team).
• Forfeiture: Any player leaving the bench during an altercation risks causing a game forfeiture and faces additional school disciplinary consequences.

Daily, on-time attendance is critical to your student's success. School attendance is mandatory until graduation.

Reporting an Absence

All absences must be verified within 5 days.

• Preferred Method: Use the Absence Reporting Form.
• Phone Reporting: Call (916) 632-6500, ext. 6485 (24-hour line).
• Automated Calls: Our system will call home and send a Parent Square Notification if a student is marked absent. Please clear the absence promptly using the methods above or a reply to Parent Square.

Excused Absences

Absences are considered "excused" for:

• Illness, injury, or medical/dental appointments (includes mental health).
• Funeral/bereavement.
• Court appearances or religious holidays.
• College visits (Juniors/Seniors with documentation).
• Note: "Personal" reasons are not considered excused.

Truancy

Unexcused absences trigger state-mandated truancy letters after 3, 6, and 9 absences. After 9 unexcused absences, a Student Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting will be required.

Tardy Policy

A "Tardy" is marked if a student arrives after the class period starts.

• 5 Tardies = 1 detention.
• 10 Tardies = 2 additional detentions + parent/counselor/admin meeting.
• Every tardy after 10 = 1 hour of detention.
• Individual teachers may have additional classroom-specific policies.

Closed Campus & Checking Out

Whitney High is a closed campus; guests are not permitted.

• To check out, parents must communicate via the absence form, note, or call.
• Students must check in/out at the Attendance Window if arriving late or leaving early.

Pre-Arranged Absences & Independent Study

Planning to be out for 3-14 consecutive days? Contact the Attendance Office two weeks before the absences to set up an Independent Study Contract. This allows your student to complete work and receive credit during the absence.

Long-Term Medical Needs

For absences of 4-6 weeks due to medical needs, families may apply for Home Hospital Instruction (HHI). Please contact your student's counselor as soon as possible to begin the application process.

• Closed Campus: Students are not permitted to leave campus during the school day, including for lunch.
• Designated Lunch Areas: Students must remain within the red line boundaries (cafeteria, awning, or amphitheatre).
• Off-Limit Areas: Athletic fields, locker rooms, and gym hallways are off-limits during lunch.
• Food Deliveries: Outside food deliveries (e.g., DoorDash, pizza) are not permitted.
• Messages & Deliveries: Essential items forgotten at home may be dropped off in the front office cubbies. Students are responsible for checking the cubbies during break or lunch.

WHS Student ID Cards

• Carry at all times: Required on campus and at school events.
• Digital Access: Issued via the Minga app.
• Replacements: Available at the Student Store for $5.
• Usage: Used for purchases, library/textbook checkouts, event entry, and cafeteria services.

Contacting Staff

Email addresses follow the format: firstinitial + lastname@rocklinusd.org (e.g., jsmith@rocklinusd.org).

Student Guests

Whitney High is a closed campus. Students may not bring friends or relatives to school. Guest passes are not available.

Lost & Found / Personal Property

• Responsibility: The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Bring items of value (electronics, large sums of money) at your own risk.
• Lost & Found: Located in the office. Unclaimed items are donated at the end of each month.

Cell phones/Electronic Devices may only be used before school, after school, and at lunch. Cell phones/Electronic Devices must be put away and turned off during instructional time unless directed by a supervising staff member.

Students who use their cell phone/electronic device inappropriately will be assigned school discipline. The phone/electronic device will be confiscated by school personnel and made available in the office for the student or parent to pick up after school.

• First Offense: The phone will be returned to the parent (or student may serve 2 hours of detention in order to retrieve their phone).
• Second Offense: The parent must pick up the cell phone, and the student will serve 3 hours of detention.
• Third and Subsequent Offenses: The parent must pick up the cell phone, and the student will serve 4 hours of detention.

A complete copy of Board Policy and Admin. Regulation 5131 is available on the District website.

Cell Phone Cubbies/Holders are utilized by Whitney High School teachers to improve classroom participation, enhance peer engagement, and reduce the temptation and distraction of cell phone use during class.

Whitney High School promotes ethical conduct and academic honesty.

• Definition: Cheating is the unauthorized giving or receiving of another's data, research, concepts, or work without proper attribution.
• Assessment: Whether a violation has occurred is determined by the teacher's professional assessment.
• Communication: Teachers will notify parents directly if a cheating incident occurs.
• Process: Administrators coordinate with the student regarding disciplinary outcomes.
• Consequences: Disciplinary measures for violating the Academic Integrity Policy escalate throughout the student's time at Whitney High School.

Counseling Center: Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can request an appointment before/after school, during breaks, or by filling out the online form.

PAWS (Positive Academic Work Study): An academic support block (30 minutes) held Tuesday-Friday. Students with one or more NM/NC grades from the previous period are required to attend daily. Failure to attend will result in disciplinary action.

Course & Schedule Changes

• Add/Drop Policy: Students should remain in their scheduled classes until notified of a change. Withdrawing from a course after the final deadline (August 22, 2025) may result in a "No Credit" (NC) on the transcript.
• Level Changes (AP/Honors): Requires an Add/Drop request by September 12, 2025 (Fall) or January 16, 2026 (Spring).
• Scheduling Errors: The department prioritizes errors like missing graduation requirements, "blank" periods, missing prerequisites, or double-booked courses.

Advanced Placement (AP)

• Workload: These are university-level courses; expect roughly 2 hours of homework per night per course.
• Recommendations: We suggest taking no more than 3 AP/Honors courses per year.
• Drops: You must request a drop by the 1st Progress Report if the class is too difficult.

Transfers & Withdrawal

• Transfers:
  • Intra-district (within RUSD): Submit paperwork after winter break.
  • Inter-district (outside RUSD): Must be renewed annually.
• Withdrawal: Please provide at least 2 days' notice to the Registrar. Before checking out, students must return all books/Chromebooks and pay all outstanding fines.

Transcripts & College Planning

• Requests: Use the form on the WHS website. Please allow 5 school days for processing.
• CSU/UC/Common App: Transcripts are often handled directly through application portals; follow your counselor's instructions on SCOIR.
• Scholarships: Two types are available: "Assist-A-Grad" (local/exclusive to WHS) and "Outside" scholarships.

Work Permits

• Requirements: Students must maintain good academic standing (no more than 2 "No Marks").
• Process: Pick up a request form in the College & Career Center. Permits are issued within 2 days and expire annually in August.

Detention is assigned as a consequence for behavioral or attendance-related issues.

Standard Sessions

Sessions are held in the Administration Building's Detention Room.

• Before School: 8:00 AM - 8:40 AM
• After School: 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM
• Alternatives: Lunch detention or campus work may be substituted with approval from an Assistant Principal.

"Monday School" Schedule

Mondays, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

• Benefit: Attending one Monday School session clears three standard detentions.
• Deadline: Students are required to clear all assigned detentions within two weeks.
• Consequences: Unresolved detentions may result in a loss of student privileges and restricted participation in extracurricular activities.

At Whitney High School, students are responsible for their actions. Our school rules are designed to ensure a safe, high-quality learning environment for everyone. These policies apply to students while on campus, at school-sponsored events, traveling to/from school, and when truant.

Key Behavioral Expectations

Students are expected to respect authority, fellow students, and school property. Prohibited conduct includes:

• Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism, or forgery.
• Campus Safety: Leaving campus without permission (WHS is a closed campus), loitering in unauthorized areas, or riding bicycles/skateboards on school grounds.
• Interpersonal Conduct: Fighting, threatening/assaulting others, harassment, hazing, verbal abuse, or "cyber-bullying" (which is treated the same as on-campus behavior).
• School Property: Littering, destroying/defacing school or personal property, or misusing technology.
• Prohibited Items & Activities: Possession of weapons, dangerous objects, tobacco/vaping products, alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia. Gambling and false fire alarms/threats are also strictly prohibited.
• General Misconduct: Disrupting activities, defying school personnel, using profanity/vulgarity, or engaging in hate crimes or sexual harassment.

Consequences

When school rules are broken, consequences are determined by school officials based on the nature of the infraction, the student's history, and individual circumstances. Disciplinary actions may include:

• Parent/Student conference or counseling referral.
• After-school detention or campus work.
• Suspension (on- or off-campus) or loss of extracurricular privileges.
• Revocation of parking/driving privileges or work permits.
• Restitution for damages.
• Law enforcement notification.
• In extreme cases: Alternative education placement or expulsion.

Provisions for Serious Infractions: Administrative interventions may exceed standard disciplinary measures if an offense is determined to be exceptionally grave.

In our dress code, we believe:

• Dress code policies will maximize educational opportunities and time spent learning as clothing should not create barriers to learning.
• Reasons for conflict and inconsistent and/or inequitable discipline should be minimized whenever possible.
• School staff will be trained and be able to use student/body positive language to explain the dress code to address code violations.
• All students will be valued in their full identity and treated equitably; will be able to dress comfortably for school without fear of body shaming and unnecessary discipline; will understand student dress code expectations and that they are responsible for managing their own personal distractions while also honoring individual's clothing/self expression.

Students Must Wear:

• Secured clothing that protects and covers personal body parts.
• Shirt - Must have strap(s) that connect over at least one shoulder or around the neck with fabric in the front, back and on the sides under the arms. The torso must be covered. Shirts must be able to stay up on their own.
• Bottoms - (pants or the equivalent) that completely covers the buttocks.
• Footwear - Must have soles.
• Clothing that maintains a safe learning environment in classes where protective or supportive clothing is needed, such as chemistry/biology (eye or body protection), dance (tights/leotards), or PE (athletic attire/shoes).

Students May Wear:

• Hats/hoods - Hats are allowed on campus; however, students are required to respect the request of individual staff regarding the wearing of hats in the classroom.

Students Cannot Wear:

• Visible underwear. (Visible waistbands, straps, or compression shorts worn under other clothing are not a violation.)
• Images or language depicting/suggesting drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or paraphernalia use (or any illegal item or activity)
• Images or language representing hate speech, profanity, or prejudice
• Images or language that depict weapons or violence or gang affiliation
• Images depicted on clothing must be within RUSD dress code
• Clothing, jewelry, and personal items with lewd, obscene, or sexually explicit messages or pictures are prohibited.
• Any object that obscures the face (except as religious observance or for health purposes)
• Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon.
• Swimsuits except as required in class or athletic practice and only in the area of campus necessary for class or practice

Parking Permits: Permits are required and must be displayed at all times. Permits are limited and issued by lottery each May for the next school year.

Rules

• No loitering in the parking lot.
• Students may not access their cars during the school day without permission from administration.
• Parking is prohibited in staff lots or unauthorized spots.
• Permits are non-transferable; sharing them will result in revocation.

Enforcement: Unauthorized vehicles are subject to Rocklin PD citations. Violations may result in permit revocation or suspension of driving privileges.

Bikes/Scooters: Must be locked in racks. Riding on campus is prohibited.

The Rocklin Unified School District has plans and preparations for major emergency situations. Our school staff has been trained, and drills are held regularly to make certain that the students understand emergency procedures.

1. Please inform your students that they are as safe at school as they are at home in a serious emergency. School buildings have been designed with safety in mind, and inspections are made regularly to remove possible hazards. There are personnel who are trained in first aid. Our primary concern in the event of an emergency is the safety and welfare of the students.
2. Your students should be instructed to obey the directions of their teachers and follow the directions of the bus driver if they are on a bus. If walking or riding bicycles, they should be told to continue toward their destination when an emergency situation develops.

Your cooperation is asked in any emergency. In the event an emergency arises:

• Please avoid calling the school. Telephone lines will be needed for emergency communications.
• Please avoid calling your students on their cell phones.
• Avoid driving to school. Streets should be as open as possible for emergency vehicles.
• Turn your radio to any local Placer/Sacramento County radio station. Information and instructions for picking up students during or after an emergency will be given over the radio. Stations: AM-KAHI 95, KFBK 1530; FM-KHYL 101, KEAR 92.5

In the event our school must be evacuated, your student will be transported to another school. The school of choice will be determined by the nature of the emergency. Specific information will be broadcast on the local radio stations listed above.

ASB, IDs, and Student Store

• ASB Cards: Available for $60 via the Minga app. Benefits include discounts on events/clothing and free entry to all home athletic events (excluding CIF playoffs).
• Student IDs: Digital IDs are issued via the Minga app and used for digital Hall Passes. Physical cards are available at the student store for $5.
• Student Store: Open daily 8:15 AM-4:00 PM (closed during some passing periods). Visit to purchase spirit wear, event tickets, or pay fees.

Dance Guidelines

• Eligibility: WHS students must have all detentions served, no library fines, and no current suspensions to attend.
• Entry: Must show a valid WHS Student ID to purchase tickets and enter. Doors close one hour after the event starts; no re-entry.
• Security: To ensure a safe environment, all attendees are subject to breathalyzer testing, bag searches, and metal detector screening.
• Behavior: All school rules apply. Inappropriate dancing (e.g., groping, feet off the floor) is prohibited. Violations may result in removal, parent notification, and suspension from future dances.
• Guest Passes: WHS students may bring one guest (max age 20) to approved dances. Host students must accompany guests and are responsible for their behavior. Guest passes must be submitted to the Assistant Principal's office by the Wednesday before the dance.

Assemblies & Rallies

• Expectations: Please be prompt, sit in assigned sections, and be respectful. Use applause for formal presentations; save whistling and shouting for rallies.
• Conduct: Disruptive behavior or unauthorized entry onto the court during a rally may result in the loss of assembly privileges or suspension from all activities.

Note: Outstanding school fees or detentions may impact your eligibility to participate in any extra-curricular activities.

The health office provides care for students who become ill at school until they can be picked up.

• Student Release: Students will only be released to individuals listed on their Emergency Card.
• Medication Policy:
  • All medication (prescribed or over-the-counter) must be kept in the health office under lock and key.
  • Students are not allowed to carry medication on campus, unless a physician has authorized them to carry specific emergency items (e.g., inhalers, EpiPens).
  • A written authorization form from both a parent/guardian and a physician is required for any medication. Forms are available in the health office.
  • All medication must be provided in its original container.
• Health Concerns:
  • Please notify the health office in writing before the start of the school year regarding any health conditions (e.g., allergies, asthma, diabetes).
  • Any doctor's orders for medication or academic accommodations must be updated annually.

The Library/Media Center is a space for independent study, reading, and research.

Hours & Access

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM (Closed daily 12:00 PM-12:30 PM).
• ID Required: A WHS Student ID is required to check out all books, novels, or borrow Chromebooks.
• Online Access: Visit the WHS Library website to access your Destiny account and research databases.

Circulation & Chromebooks

• Library Books/Novels: Circulate for 3 weeks. Renew in person or online via the Destiny "My Info" tab.
• Overdue Policy: Materials more than 2 months overdue are marked as "lost." Notices are emailed monthly; fees must be cleared by the last day of school.
• Chromebooks: Annual checkouts available. Daily loaners are limited; students must leave a personal device (phone, tablet) as collateral. Loaners must be returned by the end of the school day.

Expectations

• Conduct: Please be respectful, keep noise low, and avoid taking unauthorized photos.
• Food & Drink: Not permitted in the library.

• Care: Students are responsible for the care and return of all issued textbooks. Replacement costs will be billed for lost or damaged items.
• Account Clearance: Students must clear all fines and return all materials to participate in extracurriculars, senior activities, or to receive a diploma/walk at graduation.
• Refunds: If a paid lost item is found, you may return it for a refund until September 30th of the following school year, provided it is still in acceptable condition and in use by the school.

The Board of Trustees is committed to maintaining a school environment that is free from harassment. The Board prohibits sexual harassment of any student by another student, an employee or other person, at school or at a school-sponsored activity. The Board also prohibits retaliatory behavior or action against any person who complains, testifies, assists or otherwise participates in the complaint process established in accordance with this policy. Any student who engages in sexual harassment of anyone at school or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity is in violation of this policy and shall be subject to disciplinary action. For students in grades 4 through 12, disciplinary action may include suspension and/or expulsion.

Administrative Procedure 5145.7 states that prohibited sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to; unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Types of conduct which are prohibited in the District and which may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

• Unwelcome sexual flirtations or propositions.
• Sexual slurs, epithets, threats, verbal abuse, derogatory comments or sexually degrading descriptions.
• Graphic verbal comments about an individual's body or overly personal conversation.
• Sexual jokes, stories, drawings, pictures, or gestures.
• Spreading sexual rumors.
• Teasing or sexual remarks about students enrolled in a predominantly single-sex class.
• Touching an individual's body or clothes in a sexual way.
• Limiting a student's access to educational tools.
• Purposefully cornering or blocking another student's normal movements.
• Displaying sexually suggestive objects.

Any student who feels that they are being harassed should immediately contact the principal or assistant principal or another District administrator in order to obtain a copy of BP and AR 1312.3-Uniform Complaint Procedures. Complaints of harassment can be filed in accordance with these procedures.

A complete copy of Board Policy and Admin. Regulation 5145.7 is available on the District website.

WHS students are expected to use campus technology and the internet responsibly for classroom assignments and school activities. This policy applies to all hardware, software, and network services.

• Responsible Use: Students are required to follow all Rocklin Unified School District network policies (Board Policy 6163.4). By signing the emergency card, parents/guardians and students agree to these terms.
• Safety & Risks: While the District filters internet access, students are responsible for their online conduct. By consenting to internet access, parents/guardians acknowledge the risks of accidental exposure to inappropriate or controversial online content.
• Consequences of Misuse: Students who violate technology policies or bypass security firewalls may face:
  • Suspension or revocation of internet and computer privileges.
  • Further disciplinary action.
  • Personal civil or criminal liability for unauthorized online activities.
• Social Networking: Internet privileges will be revoked for students using social networking sites for non-educational purposes.

• Check-in: All visitors must show ID, sign in digitally at the front office, and wear an identifying badge.
• Escorts: Visitors must be accompanied by a staff member while on campus.
• Student Safety: During school hours, only WHS staff, students, and checked-in visitors are permitted on campus or in student parking areas.